What do you do when you get the blues?

Michelle Matheson. BHsc (Acu). B.A.  M.A.

Around 1 in 4 people in Australia experience depression or anxiety at some time during their life.  It can happen after a traumatic or significant event like a relationship breakdown, the loss of a job or an accident.  Sometimes it just sneaks up on you for no identifiable reason.

A bout of the blues or persistent anxiety attacks can stop enjoyment of life.  It may cause you to lose your appetite, your sex drive, change your sleep patterns, cause mood swings or loss of motivation and can make it difficult to feel optimist about the future. 

 So what do you do? 

While anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs help many to cope and get back on track, natural therapies, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture, have also been showing good results in a number of research studies. 

A Cochrane review of research found that acupuncture had a similar success rate to anti-depressants in treating depression.  Acupuncture was also found to have fewer reported side-effects than anti-depressants.  Those who can’t take anti-depressants might find acupuncture a good alternative. 

Another review of the research found that St Johns Wart was successful in treating depression.  It is however highly recommended that any supplements or herbs are taken in consultation with a qualified health practitioner. The same review also recommended acupuncture for depression. 

Counselling, particularly cognitive behaviour therapy, has also proven to be effective in treating depression. What in fact may be most effective, however, is a multi-pronged approach, combining for example, counselling with acupuncture and herbs.

If you have been experiencing feeling down for more than 2 weeks, you should consult your health practitioner.  You could be experiencing depression, anxiety or stress.  Early treatment can be particularly effective. There are many treatment options to try.  You can visit your GP and to find a local acupuncturist, herbalist or naturopath you can visit the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medical Association at www.acupuncture.org.au or The Australian Natural Therapists Association on their website at www.anta.org.au